Palm Meadows: Ruler On Ice, Awesome Feather top busy work tab

The stars were out at Palm Meadows on Saturday where notable works were turned in by Belmont Stakes winner Ruler on Ice and Eclipse champion Awesome Feather among others.

Ruler On Ice went what for him was an easy half-mile in 47.03 in preparation for the Grade 1 Donn Handicap on Feb. 11. Awesome Feather breezed five furlongs in 1:01.44 in her final prep for Saturday’s Sunshine Millions Distaff.

Other workers of note at Palm Meadows included Consortium, among the leading candidates for Sunday’s Grade 3 Holy Bull, who went five furlongs in 1:01.22, and Gulfstream Park Derby runner-up Casual Trick, who covered four furlongs in 47.33.

Trainer Tom Albertrani also sent out his top 3-year-old prospect Souper Speedy an easy three-eighths in 39.88 Saturday at Palm Meadows, his first work since finishing a game second behind O’Prado Again in the Grade 2 Remsen. Souper Speedy made only one other start at 2, winning his maiden at first asking over a muddy track at Belmont Park.

Albertrani said he’s hoping to have Souper Speedy ready for the Fountain of Youth on Feb. 26.

Albertrani also said he’s taking his time with his two top 3-year-olds from last year, Brilliant Speed and King Congie. Brilliant Speed has not started or worked since finishing third after holding a clear lead into the stretch of the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

“Maybe they’ll be ready towards the back end of the meet, and if they are I’ll make sure to keep them apart,” Albertrani said with a smile.

Albertrani was making a reference to the Hallandale Beach Stakes here last winter in which King Congie crossed the wire first but was disqualified for interfering with Brilliant Speed, who had finished third, costing both horses a victory.